More staff on the way for Nelson Hospital, but it will be months before they start

In July, a Health New Zealand review found problems with leadership and severe understaffing are causing delayed care for hundreds of patients.

Following recommendations to boost staffing levels, the first tranche of clinical roles were approved last month and recruitment for 12 permanent full-time junior medical roles is underway.

However, start dates are expected by the end of January next year.

Health NZ Acting Executive Regional Director Phil Wheble says in the meantime, they're working with local teams to boost numbers.